Palakkad: A protest is brewing in Palakkad over the decision of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to char-ge a fee for the entry into the Tipu Sultan Fort situated in the heart of Palakkad town from May 1.
ASI officials at the fort said that as per the order of the Union government, they had put up the notice since January 4 regarding the fee of Rs 25 each from all visitors and tourists entering the fort and there was no objection from anyone. However, several organisations have come out in the open against the decision alleging an attempt by the Union government to hide the warrior king's legacy from the people.
ASI officials at the fort said that as many as 26 historical monuments including the seaside St. Angelo Fort in Kannur and Vattakottai Fort in Kanyakumari would also be charging a fee from May 1.
“We have submitted a petition to the ASI field officer at the Palakkad fort and will prevent officials from collecting the fee. The Union government is trying to keep the tourists and public away from such historical monuments across the country,” Sumesh Achuthan, Youth Congress leader and chairman of KPCC's OBC wing said.
He said that even though the ASI had decided to charge visitors, no arrangements for toilet and drinking water facilities were in place.
ASI officials said it wo-uld not block morning wa-lkers on the track around the fort and devotees of Hanuman temple inside. Citizens of non-SAARC countries will ha-ve to pay Rs 300 as an entry fee, with a discount of Rs 50 for digital payments. For others making a digital payment, the entry fee will be Rs 20.
